Was Joe Haden not practicing at OTAs anything to be concerned about? Bud vs. Doug

CLEVELAND, Ohio - One of Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams earliest talking points -- after he finished lecturing the media to sit up straight -- was to let Joe Haden know that playing through nagging injuries as Haden did a year ago is expected.

"When I first got here and I met him, I went up to his office and we talked for a while, just about my toughness and about the biggest thing he told me was, 'If you didn't play through your injury I would tell them to get you out of here,'" Haden told reporters in April. "So he was in my face as soon as I met him."

Haden, by the way, says he is all for the Williams approach. That might be easier to embrace in April than in November if Browns losses once again pile high, but we'll see.

In the meantime, what to make of Haden not being on the practice field for OTAs? I say not much.

Cleveland.com sports columnist Doug Lesmerises has a different take (he usually does.)

My guess is the Browns see more benefit in having players arrive healthy to mini-camp this month and training camp in July.

OTAs are more important for younger players than veterans. But does it suggest there's concern about Haden, who has dealt with a number of injuries that have affected his performance?

OTA practice absences are noticed much more in cities with bad football teams than in cities already enjoying success in the NFL.

Doug doesn't like when I say this, so I'll say it again. It is only June. And it's only OTAs.